THE design and layout of a proposed temple in Harrow Weald have been agreed by Harrow Council's development committee.

Timbers, a house on Green Belt land in Brookshill which has been used as a GP's surgery but is now disused, was bought by the Mahavir Foundation, a Jain organisation, in December 2002.

The foundation did not need planning permission for demolishing the building to build a place of worship for about 30 people, but the design needed council approval as the site is a designated Area of Special Character.

The first design was rejected in September as the proposed ornamentation and a planned increase in the height of the building would have been detrimental to the views from neighbouring properties.

But on Wednesday last week, a new plan was submitted, and committee chairman, Councillor Anne Whitehead, said: "I am glad that the design of the temple was supported by the committee. It is different, but it reflects the community of Harrow.

"I hope that the residents and the Jain community will put their differences behind them and get on."

But many residents felt excluded by the planning process.

John Cavanagh of West Drive, said: "The first chance I got to speak was at the meeting, and by that time the decision was done and dusted. I would have liked to have been involved."

Vinod Kapashi, president of the Mahavir Foundation said: "We were very pleased with the outcome of the meeting. We are also hoping to work with the local community."

Councillor Marilyn Ashton, vice-chairwoman of the planning committee said: "I agree with the idea of a temple being built, but I do not agree with the design and materials."

Carole Lis from Harrow Heritage Association also thought the temple would be out of character with the area, saying it should be "more compatible with its surroundings".

Jainism is an offshoot of Hinduism, founded in the sixth century BC by Vardhamana Mahavir.